Scoobert Doobert is Feeling Better

We are able to save more sick animals, like Scoobert Doobert, because of your support! Recently our medical team developed a new protocol to fight distemper, one of the most highly infectious and serious diseases a dog can have. And our first patient was as cute as his name.

Scoobert Doobert was brought to our Escondido Campus as a stray 11-month-old vizsla/Ridgeback mix after being found at a nearby park. Right away, we saw that he was dry heaving and coughing. Our team acted quickly, keeping him away from other animals and testing him for distemper.

When the results came back positive, Scoobert Doobert was quickly transferred to the Bahde Center for Shelter Medicine at our San Diego Campus, where our veterinary team started him on a regimen of antibiotics and other medications. Scoobert Doobert’s viral count was almost 7 million, and it would need to go down to zero before he could safely be around other animals and be adopted.

Caring for dogs with distemper is challenging and requires plenty of resources. The recovery process is long, and dogs require space to remain isolated—not only is the disease extremely contagious, but it causes weakened immune systems. Distemper is most commonly seen in unvaccinated puppies, and keeping a young dog isolated can lead to inadequate socialization and behavior issues. This is why foster families are essential—they allow dogs to learn how to be part of a family while recovering from the disease.

Scoobert Doobert thrived in his foster home, where he slowly learned how to be a pet. Walks had not been a part of his routine yet, so his foster family practiced walking him inside on a leash. They also gave him the love he needed to prepare for a new home.

After five weeks in his foster home, Scoobert Doobert had recovered from distemper—and was medically cleared for adoption. And just one day after returning to the shelter, this very good boy was adopted by another loving family.

While there is no cure for distemper, our success with Scoobert Doobert (and more puppies who’ve arrived after him) creates hope for the dogs who arrive at shelters across the country with this virus.

On behalf of Scoobert Doobert and every other dog whose life will be saved: Thank you. It’s the generous support provided by you and other animal lovers that pushes the limits of what we can do for vulnerable animals in our community.

You can ensure we’re able to tell more stories like Sccobert Doobert’s by including San Diego Humane Society in your estate plan. Contact Katie Chalmers at (619) 798-0498 or KChalmers@sdhumane.org to start the conversation today.